Patronage appears to be alive and well in the Town of Islip.
Newsday reported that Kristina Inserillo, the sister of Islip Supervisor Tom Croci, works as an aid to State Sen. Charles Fuschillo, R- Merrick, making $24,090 a year.
Croci said he had no role in Inserillo getting the position, which she started in May 2012 after being excessed from a teaching position.
Recently, Croci and four Town Board members were at odds over an attempt by the council members to wrestle some powers from the supervisor. Published reports indicated the fight was over patronage jobs at town hall.
In addition, Newsday also reported that State Sen. Phil Boyle has the relatives of two local party leaders working in his office.
John MacKay, son of Independence Party Chairman Frank MacKay, currently holds a part-time position. Under the title of district representative, John MacKay is paid $10,000 annually.
Also, Claudia Tantone, the wife of Islip GOP Chairman Frank Tantone, serves as Boyle's deputy chief of staff with an annual salary of $70,300.
Recently, Boyle’s wife Victoria Ryan, was awarded a $60,000 public relations contract with the Town of Islip.
